Gast/Gäste

Christian Morin

Christian Morin makes regular appearances on radio (currently on the Radio Classique morning show) and television, is a graphic designer and cartoonist, actor and prize-winning clarinettist, who was awarded the Sidney Bechet Prize from the Académie du Jazz. He has played with some of the greatest musicians, including Claude Luter, Maxim Saury, Buddy Tate, Henri Salvador, Al Grey, Buck Clayton, Le Count Basie Orchestra, Le Big Band de Claude Bolling, Sacha Distel, T. Bone Walker, Milt Buckner and Sergio Mendés.

Language spoken: French

Photo credit: Bénédicte Henry

Photo credit: Bénédicte Henry

Jean-Robert Pitte

Jean-Robert Pitte is a French geographer, born 1949 in Paris. A landscape and gastronomy specialist, he is President of the Geography Society and has been a Member of the Institut de France (Académie des Sciences morales et politiques) since 2008. He is also President of the Mission française du patrimoine et des cultures alimentaires, charged by France’s President to prepare the request to have French gastronomy added to UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list, as well as the Festival Livres en vignes at Château du Clos de Vougeot. Since 2011 he has chaired the Académie du vin de France and has been President of the Canal Académie since 2012. In 2014 he was made Honorary President of Ferrières (a school of French excellence – gastronomy, hospitality and luxury).

Jean-Robert Pitte focused his research and studies on the history of landscape, gastronomy and wine, and has held a number of positions, including Professor at the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Nouakchott (Mauritania), Professor of Geography at the Paris-Sorbonne University, Director of UFR Geography and Town Planning, President of the Paris-Sorbonne University, Founder-President of the Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, Information and Orientation Delegate to the Prime Minister, and Professor at Hokkaido University in Sapporo.

Stéphane Duchiron

Stéphane, graduated from l’École supérieure de cuisine française Grégoire Ferrandi, has worked in top level Michelin star restaurants. First as a commis in Guy Savoy during a few months of 1996, and then the following year, with Jacques Lameloise, in Burgundy. And finally, in 2004, at Passiflore, where he is sous-chef to Roland Durant, a “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” who exerts a strong influence on him. In June 2006, he opens his own restaurant, Les Fougeres. One fine day in 2010, an unexpected guest arrives. It is Alain Ducasse that he seats as best he can and to whom he serves a lobster salad with Jerusalem artichoke and a hare a la Royale. It must be said that Le Fougeres had been noticed by many critics. In September 2016, Alain Ducasse offers Stéphane to join him to lead the kitchens of ore - Ducasse au château de Versailles.

Language spoken: French

Photo credit: pmonetta

Pascal Féraud

Pascal began at the Negresco in Nice before joining the Lucas Carton restaurant in Paris, where he was promoted to chef de partie just seven months later. He then worked in the kitchens of the Elysée and declined an offer to be restaurant chef at the Lucas Carton, opting instead to accept Alain Ducasse’s offer as commis at the Louis XV in Monte Carlo in 1996. A difficult challenge, but a tremendous and decisive learning opportunity. Pascal then decided to branch out and gain international experience. He travelled to the United States as executive sous-chef at L’Orangerie in Los Angeles, which, in one short year, received countless awards. Back in France in 2001, he became restaurant chef at La Maison Blanche in Paris. Alain Ducasse called him back to his side for the position of executive chef at Spoon at Sanderson in London, where he remained for more than four years. He became chef at Le Jules Verne in January 2007.

Langage spoken: French

Photo credit: Eric Laignel

Bernard Antony

Bernard Antony, whose business operates in Vieux-Ferrette (Alsace), is one of the most renowned cheese ripeners in the world. His Alsace cellar plays host to a high-end international clientele. Prince Albert of Monaco and Archduke Otto of Austria have both been known to visit his boutique. Today, nineteen 3-star Michelin restaurants entrust Antony with their cheese board selection. Prominent French chefs from Alain Ducasse to Pierre Gagnaire are among those keen to access these heavenly cheeses, as are the major vineyards which use the services of this master cheese ripener in Vieux-Ferrette.

Language spoken: French

Photo credit: Marcel Ehrhard

Pierre Charles Gandilhon

After graduation from the Institut Paul Bocuse (Lyon, France) in 2009, Pierre-Charles joins DUCASSE Paris as a trainee in the executive sommellerie department. He then evolves in the group: commis sommelier in Monaco, sommelier at the Jules Verne (Eiffel Tower), chef sommelier at Spoon and Benoit Paris. It has now been 4 years that he is assisting Gérard Margeon – Alain Ducasse’s Executive Head Sommelier since 1994 – as the Assistant Executive Head Sommelier. He recruits and trains an international team of sommeliers, composed of 40 people. He is in charge of the human and financial monitoring of the group’s restaurants as well as openings around the world.

Änderungen vorbehalten.

Vor- / Nach- Programme

Vorprogramm

Lisbon, at the age of great navigators
11.04.2018

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.

Lisbon

Meet and greet at the airport – Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT signs.

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will depart the airport by coach and be directly taken to a local restaurant where your lunch will be served. You will spend the afternoon discovering the beautiful capital city of Portugal and its glorious past. The sightseeing tour will start by a panoramic drive passing by the historic districts of Lisbon: Rossio, Marquis de Pombal Square and Avenida da Libertade. Then, you’ll drive uphill to the Park Edward VII. You will enjoy one of the most beautiful views over the city, admiring the medieval castle and the Tagus River. You will continue your exploration to Belém District which is associated to the Great Portuguese Discoveries. You will make a first photo stop at the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), one of the most emblematic monument of Portugal with its Venetian balconies and turreted towers, and once departure place of the Portuguese vessels. You will also make a photo stop close to the famous Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jerónimos Monastery) considered as one of the most successful achievements of the Manueline style. Both monuments are listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will make a last photo stop at the distinctive Monument of Discoveries built on the north bank of the Tagus River in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, before being transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel advisor; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Lisbon, on your own (1 night)
10.04.2018

Visit at your own pace! Enjoy an escapade in complete freedom as you let PONANT organize your transfers and select for you an ideally located hotel along with an entrance ticket to a major city highlight.

Day 1 - Lisbon

Meet and greet at the airport by your local driver. Look for PONANT sign in the arrival hall.

You will have a private transfer by car to Lisboa Plaza Hotel.

An Open entrance ticket (per person) at the Coaches Museum (Museu nacional dos Coches) will be at your disposal at the hotel.

The museum occupies a new building with white cobblestone pavements designed by Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. You will get the chance to visit the day after your arrival, one of the largest and most valuable collection of coaches in the world having belonged to European royal families.

The rest of the day and the evening are at leisure.

Dinner is on your own.

Day 2 - Lisbon

In the morning, you will be transferred by coach from the hotel to the Coaches Museum, for a free visit (departure time will be communicated by our local representative).

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Lunch is on your own.

Mid-afternoon group transfer from the hotel to the pier on time for embarkation on board your ship (departure time from the hotel will be communicated by our local representative).

Your hotel:

Lisboa Plaza is a charming Boutique hotel in the historic centre of Lisbon. It is located close to Avenida da Liberdade. The atmosphere of informal good taste and the constant updating of services provided make this charming hotel your best friend's home in Lisbon.

Your programme does not include:

Tips and gratuities.

All personal expenses (meals and beverages, sightseeing…).

Return transfer from the Coaches Museum to Lisboa Plaza Hotel.

Early check-in, late check-out and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m.

Official check-out time is 12:00 (noon).

Early check-in or late check-out are available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Please contact your travel professional for further details.

It is imperative that your flight arrival details be communicated at least 30 days prior to arrival, in order to secure your private transfer from the airport.

Inlandsexkursion

Exclusive visit of Château Smith Haut Lafitte (half-day)
16.04.2018

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 45 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 45 days before departure.

Following a customized tour of the estate, you will see the owners' private wine collection, taste the estate's first wine, both white and red and the young vines in red. Today, you will be invited a special confidential wine tasting at Pessac-Léognan Classified Great Growth Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate. This great growth owes its reputation as "the quintessential Graves" to its superb Günz gravel terroir in a single block. The estate's history dates back to the Crusades. The Scottish navigator Georges Smith acquired the château in the 18th century and Monsieur Duffour-Dubergier, a Mayor of Bordeaux from a famous family of négociants, was a subsequent owner. Since its purchase by Florence and Daniel Cathiard in 1990, Smith Haut Lafitte has become one of the leading lights of Bordeaux thanks to its elegant, powerful red and white wines. In twenty years, the owners have not only brought the wine of Smith Haut Lafitte up to the very highest level, but also restored the château's 16th century tower, completely renovated two underground cellars, built their own cooperage, and introduced such organic methods as horse-drawn ploughing, home-made compost, the use of plant extracts, etc. Enchanted with this tasting of the finest wines of the Bordeaux wine region, historic cradle of the wine culture in the world, you will return to your ship.

This tour involves moderate walking on paved and pebbled terrain. You must negotiate various steps to visit the property and its wine cellars. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. This tour is limited to 15 participants.

Dinner at Château Smith Haut Lafitte
15.04.2018

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 45 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 45 days before departure.

In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith Haut Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques and age-old methods: organic compost, small wooden vats, ageing on the lees in barrel, etc. Famous around the world for its wonderfully elegant red wine and the sophisticated bouquet of its white wine, Smith Haut Lafitte undoubtedly deserves the special care that is lavished on it. The owners’ philosophy is to do the utmost so that every vintage of red and white wines reflects the full potential of the magnificent terroir. Château Smith Haut Lafitte’s 55 hectares of vines grow on a thick layer of Gunzian gravel that is ideally suited to growing wine grapes. This estate has been totally renovated, the chateau will welcome you for an exclusive dinner in the reception rooms of the estate located in the tower.

This tour involves moderate walking on paved and pebbled terrain. You must negotiate various steps to visit the property and its wine cellars. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. It is recommended that guests dress in semi-formal clothing; dress or pantsuit for women, as well as dinner jacket and slacks for men. Flat shoes for women This tour is limited to 40 participants. A minimum of 20 people is required to operate this tour.

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 45 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 45 days before departure.

Today we suggest that you discover one of Périgord’s treasures: its World Famous Lascaux IV caves, followed by a country gourmet moment at a local Truffle farm!

First, you will discover the black truffle, also known as black gold! You will depart for the town of Saint Cyprien where you will meet with a truffle farmer & his dogs. He will explain all the secrets to hunting truffles in what seems the middle of nowhere. Follow him & his hunting dogs on the farm, in the heart of this typical Dordogne village! Monsieur Aynaud, a master of every aspect of the black diamonds, entertains you with an education of the truffle, what it is, what it isn't, history, value, perception, and teaches you how to identify the authentic flavorful pungent black, grey and white truffles when shopping and dining. Then, he explains the delicate art and science of propagation and lastly, shows you exactly how to find and harvest truffles with his dogs and other accomplices. His passion and zeal are infectious; you will not go away disappointed.

After this fun moment, you will enjoy a lunch around the theme of the black truffle at the farm!

Then, continue to Lascaux IV site! Set near the village of Montignac-sur-Vézère in the heart of the Périgord Noir, Lascaux is the finest of the prehistoric caves with its famous cave paintings. The Périgord Noir region is home to more than 60 prehistoric sites and has one of the densest concentrations of prehistoric sites in the world. Many of these sites are on the UNESCO World Heritage listing, including a number of prehistoric caves adorned with cave pa intings. Lascaux was closed in 1963 in order to protect the cave paintings. In December 2016, opened Lascaux 4: the whole Lascaux cave is the essential part of Montignac-Lascaux Parietal Art international Centre. This equipment will be focused on Lascaux cave, new image technologies and virtual mediation.

After a beautiful day in the Périgord, you will return ship in Bordeaux!

This tour involves extensive waking over uneven ground, mud and some steps. We recommend you wear flat, comfortable walking shoes or boots and sport clothes. This tour is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties or on a wheelchair. This tour involves 2, 5 / 3 hour transfer each way. This tour is limited to 20 participants.

Exclusive visit of Château Cos d'Estournel
17.04.2018

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 45 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 45 days before departure.

Your tour will start with a 10-minute drive from the Pauillac Marina to the prestigious Chateau Cos d’Estournel. Join the privileged few to venture into “the steps of the Maharajah” in the one of a kind Château Cos d’Estournel, tucked away in the bend of a country road and hidden behind its imposing and opulent doors of sculpted wood.

The terroir of Cos d’Estournel is ideally located at the heart of a hilly area of the northern Medoc region. “Cos” means “hill of pebbles” in the Gascon dialect and was officially named “Cos d’Estournel” in 1810 by Louis Gaspard d’Estournel who had inherited the domains of both Cos and Pomys. The recent purchase of Pomys by Cos’ current owner, Michel Reybier, has returned the domain to its entirety.

Louis Gaspard d’Estournel was relentlessly devoted to his domain and the desire to produce one of the best wines in the world. He was both curious and cultivated, and open to the world around him. He was particularly attached to the Orient and began exporting wine to India in 1838. The chateau is one of the most unique in the world. Louis was named the “Maharajah of Saint-Estephe” after having chosen to adorn his castle with exotic monumental pagodas based on oriental inspiration, yet demonstrating his love for the Medoc region by using typical materials and blonde stone in its construction. The main building was entirely renovated in 2008 by Michel Reybier, the current owner, who has preserved the charm and the philosophy of Cos d’Estournel while giving it a sophisticated modern flair. The family residence, discretely adjoined to the Pagoda buildings, preserves the sophistication of the Medoc region while rendering homage to the oriental style characteristic of the property.

Enter a world apart and treat yourself to an exquisite visit unlike any other in the most famous wine country in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to taste, not just a few, but several of the renowned “millésimes”, both red and white, from this remarkable vineyard whose vines stretch as far as the eye can see.

This tour involves moderate walking on paved and pebbled terrain. You must negotiate various steps to visit the property and its wine cellars. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. This tour is limited to 15 participants.